Spring Creek Stewards

In the fall of 2004 a coalition of citizens and professionals began the restoration of Spring Creek Forest Preserves in Cook County.

By far the largest ecological restoration project ever undertaken in Cook County, Spring Creek Valley encompasses 3,910 acres of forest preserve and includes such diverse ecosystems as prairie grasslands, wetlands, savanna, and oak woodlands. These systems sustain a wide variety of wildlife, including beaver, bobolink, long-tailed weasel, and great angelica. With the restoration of quality habitat to Spring Creek we also hope for the return of grassland birds to the area. Grassland bird populations have seen rapid declines and efforts to restore their numbers are considered critical.

Our goal here is to create a permanently sustainable ecosystem that maintains high populations of grassland birds in habitats supporting a natural diversity of native plants and wildlife. Presented below are maps of Spring Creek's current condition and our goal for the future.

If you are interested in being part of the exciting challenge of restoring Spring Creek, please contact Dale Harper (847-352-4085) for more information on volunteering.